Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 April 2025
56. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will reconsider the proposal of rewetting land as it is very unfair to farmers who have been doing their best to farm peaty soils, and will diminish their income and ability to make a living off the land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13822/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no question of farmers being forced to re-wet drained peatlands.
There are significant Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs) associated with Ireland's land sector including from drained peat soils. The targets for rewetting of peat soils under the Nature Restoration Law can be met entirely from state land and any commitment in this regard falls on the State and not on individual farmers.
In addition, the Climate Action Plan commits to the reduction of emissions from the Land use, Land use change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector as part of the contribution to the overall reduction of GHGs nationally. Any measures designed to support this will be entirely voluntary in nature and developed in consultation with stakeholders including farmers and farm organisation's.
Management of peat soils is not about diminishing farm income or unfairly targeting farmers on peat soils who make a substantial contribution to food production, rural economies, and environmental stewardship.
My department is already supporting agri-environmental schemes, carbon farming initiatives, and alternative income opportunities for those farming peat soils. These measures support farmers in managing land both for food and the environment whilst maintaining a viable income source that can enhance their ability to make a living off the land.
Ultimately, managing peat soils is about protecting the incomes of current and future generations of farmers whist meeting national and EU environmental targets. Rather than diminishing farmers’ ability to make a living, we will work with farmers to create additional economic opportunities, stimulate carbon sequestration, improve biodiversity and water quality, and ensure that Irish farming remains sustainable and resilient.
